Australia Dependent Child Visa: All the Information You Need (2025 Update)

Family reunion is at the center of Australia's immigration policy, and the dependent child visa australia plays an important role in keeping families together. If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or character from New Zealand and a child abroad who depends on you, this visa can allow them to join Australia. 

In this blog post, we will cover all the things that you are required to know about the dependent child visa (Subclass 445) - stating how it is for, how to apply, how to apply, what is its cost, how much time it takes, and what right it gives.

What Is A Dependent Child's Visa? 

Dependent Child Visa (Subclass 445) is a temporary visa designed for the child of a temporary partner visa holder. This allows the child to travel and live in Australia until the decision is made on the permanent partner visa of the parents (subcutaneous 100 or 801).

Once the parents provide a permanent residence, the child can be included in the application of the parents for a permanent residence. This visa is particularly important for families who are undergoing the two-step partner visa process and their parents have children living outside the first visa application.

Who Can Apply? 

Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445) means for children who meet the following criteria: At the age of 18, or More than 18, but economically depends on the parents who hold a temporary partner visa (subclass 309 or 820) Married, engaged, or not in a real relationship.

Usually, the child must be outside Australia at the time of application and decision, although some exceptions apply Best Ausbildung Program in Germany for studenst

It is important to note that this visa applies only when the parents are already on a temporary partner visa and the permanent phase visa has not yet been provided.

Major Features And Benefits

Temporary Visa: This visa is temporary and remains valid until the decision is made on the permanent partner visa of the parents.

Live, work and study: The child can live in Australia and use education, work of qualified age, and can be part of the community.

Route for Permanent Residence: Once the parents are given a permanent partner visa, the child can be added to that application.

Family unity: Keeps families together during infection for permanent residence.

Application Process

Sponsoring Nomination: The same person sponsoring the parents' fellow visa will have to sponsor the child.

Prepare documentation: This includes the child's birth certificate, passport, proof of dependence and any detention documents when implemented.

Lodge the application: The application is usually recorded online and should be made when the child is outside Australia.

Required Documents

To support the application, you will usually need the following:

• Child’s passport and birth certificate

• Parent’s Partner Visa grant letter

• Sponsorship declaration from the same sponsor

• Evidence of dependence (if more than 18)

• Evidence of parents' responsibility (eg, court order, consent to non-migration parents)

• Documents in English should not be translated and certified.

• Processing Time

• Completeness of application

• Complexity (especially for older children or custody situations)

• Demand on the Department of Home Affairs

• Whether further information or health checks are required

Visa Cost

The base application charge for the Dependent Child Visa is around AUD $3,055, although this can change. Additional costs may include:

• Medical examinations

• Police clearances

• Document translations

It’s also worth noting that legal or migration agent fees, if you use one, are separate from the government’s charges.

What Happens After The Parents Have A Permanent Residence?

Once the sponsor parents are provided with their permanent partner visa (subclass 100 or 801), the child can be added to the permanent visa application at the subclass 445 visa. This is done via a Form 1002 – Application by a subclass 445 dependent child for a permanent partner visa.

Once approved, the child will also get a permanent residence, with a path for medicines, education and citizenship (usually with at least one year as a permanent resident, after living in Australia for four years).

General Challenges

Applicants facing some common challenges include:

Detention issues: If a parent is not migrated, you may need legal consent or court orders.

Age/dependence proof: Over 18 children should prove financial and emotional dependence.

Incomplete documents: Missing or wrong paperwork may be delayed.

Final Thoughts

Dependent child visa (subcontinent 445) is an essential bridge for families in infection. This ensures that the children do not overtake, while the parents are on the way to become a permanent resident in Australia. Although it is a temporary visa, it provides an important passage for stability, safety and family unity.